What it takes to run the Pedigree Stage Stop — Part 3
by Jerry Bath
With only a couple months until the 2019 start in Jackson, mushers are making preparations for the race.
How many dogs does it take to compete?
Race kennels in this year’s competition range from 14 to 150 dogs. For most mushers, not all dogs in a kennel are going to be in the race team at this year’s Stage Stop. Some dogs are too young or just learning while others are in the “retirement team.” Some even have a house dog or two that were on previous race squads. The number of dogs in a kennel can play a small part in a competitive team, but it’s the training that makes the competitive difference in time.